G&L: Help me "get" the hype

[twinjet]

Yes they are like that. And that was a killer deal. My L2500 USA was about $675 and I considered that a good deal!

I also very much recommend the single coil mod for a J sound and in my case I also added the OMG mod as push-pull on the treble control in the unlikely event I needed a little more deep bass output! The L series controls are unlike other basses and take a bit of trial and error to figure out how best to use them, but it's worth the effort!

Still figuring controls out myself. Took the bass to its first band practice yesterday, a jazz/funk project. Man, did that thing rumble. I knew the MFD pups were hot, but when I went from passive to active (no treble boost), I found out just how hot they really were!

I think of the bass as a 3-in-1. Using the pickup selector, I can emulate tones I would get on a P bass with rounds, a MusicMan, or a Jazz bass with ease. From there, I decide if I want thump or clarity. That's my series/parallel selector. Then I decide if I want the passive, active or active + treble boost determined by my volume needs. That's when I use the preamp switch.

At this point, I have knobs left. Volume is pretty much always at 80%, so I am loud but not overpowering. Bass and treble knobs are adjusted depending on which pickups I use, the tone I am going for, and what the song calls for.

This is my first "truly" active bass. I had two others, a Schecter Stiletto Custom 6 and an Ibanez SR305F that I still have. Neither carry onboard preamps, and certainly aren't wearing pups as hot as the MFDs. It's been a real adventure figuring those controls out, but out of this L-2000 I get the best tones I've ever played.

Also, not that I plan to sell this treasure, but do mods lower resale value like with Fender? The bass has a Hipshot drop tuner installed.

 

[bassbenj]

Still figuring controls out myself. Took the bass to its first band practice yesterday, a jazz/funk project. Man, did that thing rumble. I knew the MFD pups were hot, but when I went from passive to active (no treble boost), I found out just how hot they really were!

I think of the bass as a 3-in-1. Using the pickup selector, I can emulate tones I would get on a P bass with rounds, a MusicMan, or a Jazz bass with ease. From there, I decide if I want thump or clarity. That's my series/parallel selector. Then I decide if I want the passive, active or active + treble boost determined by my volume needs. That's when I use the preamp switch.

At this point, I have knobs left. Volume is pretty much always at 80%, so I am loud but not overpowering. Bass and treble knobs are adjusted depending on which pickups I use, the tone I am going for, and what the song calls for.

This is my first "truly" active bass. I had two others, a Schecter Stiletto Custom 6 and an Ibanez SR305F that I still have. Neither carry onboard preamps, and certainly aren't wearing pups as hot as the MFDs. It's been a real adventure figuring those controls out, but out of this L-2000 I get the best tones I've ever played.

Also, not that I plan to sell this treasure, but do mods lower resale value like with Fender? The bass has a Hipshot drop tuner installed.

I wouldn't drill any holes in it for mods! But something like the single coil mod is just a switch change and a bunch of wiring. You can get the bass from the factory with this feature so it's not a value killer.

You are obviously having a great time with your G&L. Something I TOTALLY understand!

 

[twinjet]

I wouldn't drill any holes in it for mods! But something like the single coil mod is just a switch change and a bunch of wiring. You can get the bass from the factory with this feature so it's not a value killer.

You are obviously having a great time with your G&L. Something I TOTALLY understand!

I'm also very curious to see how old it is. I hear the old ones are better than the new ones. This thing looks to be in good shape. No significant gouges or scratches.

Spoiler

And fun is a bit of an understatement. I've figured out how to even get a Wooten-like tone out of this baby!

 

[Chef]

If you're leaning towards a Fender Jazz, there are other offerings in the G&L that are a better "equivalent" than an L2500.

Ok guys, talk me into a G&L. I hear excellent things about them, but the ones I've heard only somewhat make me lust for one. What am I not understanding? Or hearing?

I am aware that Fender himself declared this line of basses as his best, but... Why? What flaws were present in his personal line, more specifically, the American Standard, that were changed in G&L?

The whole G&L vs Fender thing is not intended to be a flame post at all. I'm just looking for my first high-end bass and I really want to get into the heads of those who play them.

I am primarily a jazz bassist. After that, I do some blues, a bit of rock, and other things. But my favorite style of music is jazz, so that's what I need. Additionally, your help on a wood type for fretboards would be great.

Right now I'm leaning toward an American Standard jazz bass, but the L2500 also has my attention. Help me! I appreciate you guys and gals.

 

[twinjet]

If you're leaning towards a Fender Jazz, there are other offerings in the G&L that are a better "equivalent" than an L2500.

I actually ended up buying an American Standard Precision bass. As of recently, I acquired an American L-2000 for $475. It does a fantastic job covering my needs.